Answer: Coal
Some extra relevant information:
One of the names for sedimentary rock formed from decayed plant material in swampy areas is “coal.” Coal is a fossil fuel that is primarily composed of carbon, along with various other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. It is formed over millions of years as layers of dead plant matter accumulate and are subjected to heat and pressure.
In swampy environments, where abundant vegetation is present, plants die and fall into waterlogged areas. Over time, these organic remains become buried under layers of sediment, such as mud and sand. As more layers accumulate, the weight of the overlying sediments compresses the organic material.
As a result of the continuous pressure and temperature changes, the organic matter undergoes a process called diagenesis. This process involves the breakdown and chemical alteration of the plant matter, leading to the formation of coal.
The different types of coal—peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite—represent various stages of coalification. Peat is the earliest stage and is partially decomposed plant material with a high water content. Lignite is the next stage, followed by bituminous coal, both of which have higher carbon content and lower water content compared to peat. Finally, anthracite is the most mature form of coal, with the highest carbon content and lowest water and volatile matter content.
Coal is an important energy resource and plays a significant role in both industrial and domestic applications. It is primarily used for electricity generation, steel production, and as a heat source in residential and commercial settings.
In summary, coal is the name given to sedimentary rock formed from the decayed plant material in swampy areas. Its formation involves the accumulation, burial, compression, and chemical alteration of organic matter over millions of years.